Sun and moon in the sky

When the auspicious hour arrived, bells and drums rang out in unison, their sound resounding through the heavens

In front of the majestic Taiji Hall, a white marble plaza stretches to the horizon. Banners blot out the sun, the ceremonial guard is solemn, and civil and military officials, members of the royal family and nobles, and envoys from various countries stand in orderly rows. All is quiet except for the soft rustling of the wind through the imperial tassels and the fluttering of the banners.

All eyes were fixed intently on the massive palace gate at the end of the imperial road.

"His Majesty ascends the throne—The Empress ascends the throne—"

The eunuch's high-pitched and long voice proclaimed his greeting, like the first ray of dawn breaking through the silence.

The heavy palace gates slowly opened, and the brilliant autumn sun poured in, bathing the emperor and empress, who walked side by side from the depths of that light, in a sacred and unbearable golden glow.

Wei Jin wore a black and crimson robe adorned with twelve imperial symbols, meticulously crafted by Su Wan. In the sunlight, the gold, crimson, and apricot threads on the robe intertwined and flowed, as if embroidering the sunset and the landscape into the garment. The twelve symbols were magnificent and majestic; the dragons leaped and lithe, their eyes outlined with black crystal and gold thread, sharp as lightning, surveying the world with disdain. Beneath a twelve-tasseled white jade crown, his face was as handsome as a celestial being; the former "Chen Yan's" elegant and charming demeanor had transformed into the supreme grace and majesty of an emperor. His steps were steady, and with the gentle sway of his wide sleeves, it seemed as if the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers flowed within them.

Ling Zhan, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, instantly silenced all those who had tried to criticize the idea that "a village woman is unfit to be a queen."

She didn't wear an overly elaborate gown; instead, she wore a dark black robe woven with phoenix patterns soaring through the heavens in gold thread, dignified yet simple. Her ink-black hair was styled high, adorned with a nine-dragon, four-phoenix crown, sparkling with jewels, yet it did nothing to conceal her aloof and otherworldly气质 (qi zhi - inherent quality/temperament). Her beauty wasn't feminine, but rather a cold and bright brilliance, like snow-capped mountains or the moon reflected in a cold pool. Her phoenix eyes slightly raised, her gaze calmly sweeping over the thousands of subjects below, devoid of joy or sorrow, yet possessing an unspoken authority that rivaled the emperor's fiery radiance, in no way inferior.

The emperor and empress were like the rising sun, illuminating all things; the empress was like the cold moon, its clear light shining everywhere.

The sun and moon shine together, reigning over the world.

The unparalleled beauty and grace of the empress have captivated countless hearts.

However, what surprised and even horrified the court officials and Huo Ying, who was secretly observing, was the procession that followed the emperor and empress.

On the left is Shen Zhangwu, a boy of only sixteen years old. He has shed much of his childishness, his figure is as upright as a pine tree, and he wears a specially made court guard uniform. His brows show a shrewdness beyond his years, yet he has a naive look on his face. His hand is always on the hilt of the ceremonial sword at his waist, and his eyes are as sharp as a hawk, scanning every corner that may hide danger. Like a sharp blade that has been drawn from its sheath, he faithfully protects his "father" and "mother".

On the right stood the even more striking young scholar, Shen Yu. Dressed in a blue official robe symbolizing the refined elegance of the Hanlin Academy, his stature, though not yet fully developed, already exuded a commanding presence. With a handsome face and clear, wise eyes, he held the Imperial Seal of the State, his steps composed and steady. This complemented Shen Zhangwu's martial prowess, subtly creating an unparalleled aura of one scholar and one warrior, both protecting the imperial family.

Two adopted sons who are not related by blood!

At such a grand coronation ceremony, he occupied a position so close to the emperor and empress, almost like a "prince"!

Upon reaching the foot of the steps, Wei Jin and Ling Zhan did not immediately ascend. Instead, they subtly and almost imperceptibly turned their heads, their gazes lingering briefly on Shen Zhangwu and Shen Yu. Wei Jin's eyes held undisguised pride and trust, while Ling Zhan's cool gaze also revealed a faint warmth—a warmth that only those closest to him could understand.

Shen Zhangwu straightened his back even more, and Shen Yu's lips curled up slightly in silent response.

All of this was observed by the shrewd and experienced Huo Ying.

For the first time, his previous assertion that "the emperor was either obsessed with fine clothes or putting on an act" was violently shaken. A man may be pretentious in his clothing or put on airs in court, but the unconscious care, pride, and trust in the way he looks at a child is hard to fake.

Even a woman as aloof as Ling Zhan exuded the same feeling...

Huo Ying's gaze unconsciously swept towards the direction of his own female relatives in the clan's line.

His youngest daughter, Huo Wanjun, was gazing intently at the radiant figure of the emperor on the imperial steps, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glazed over, her handkerchief clenched tightly in her hands, her body trembling slightly, almost collapsing into her mother Huo Xian's arms.

That look in his eyes was one of complete succumbing and fanaticism.

In an instant, an unprecedented thought struck Huo Ying hard.

His Majesty and the Empress love and care for these orphans they have adopted with no blood relation to them so much, treating them as their own children and giving them such important positions and trust... If someone could give birth to a real prince with his blood in his veins... what an unbreakable bond that would be.

The honor and power that come with it may be more direct and effective than all his previous calculations about checks and balances and power tactics!

The Empress has no heir to this day, which is the biggest gap and the most tempting opportunity!

He had previously scoffed at his wife's insistence on sending their daughter to the palace, deeming it a narrow-minded and despicable idea that would only invite disgust. But now, he had completely changed his mind. Perhaps this path wasn't impassable, but rather a shortcut that directly addressed the core issue!

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!"

The thunderous roar of worship pulled Huo Ying back to reality.

Wei Jin and Ling Zhan had joined hands to ascend to the highest point of the Imperial Staircase, turned around, and faced their subjects and their empire.

The sunlight spread out behind them, casting a golden glow. The dragon and phoenix patterns on their black robes complemented each other. The two outstanding young men stood on the left and right, like the most solid foundation and the sharpest wings of the empire.

At this moment, the sun and moon shone in the sky, and heaven and earth held their breath.

The emperor and empress's majesty was deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

The enthronement ceremony was successfully completed. That evening, a banquet was held in the palace, with toasts and laughter filling the air, a scene of peace and prosperity.

The following morning, at Jingchen Pavilion.

Although it was only the day after the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the lives of the ladies from high-ranking families in the capital had already returned to a certain unspoken normalcy. The air inside the Jingchen Pavilion was still filled with the fragrance of incense, but the conversations among the noble ladies now carried a greater sense of amazement and speculation about the splendor of the Emperor and Empress at yesterday's grand ceremony.

Su Wan was introducing the newly arrived overseas rose dew to a princess of the imperial family. Her demeanor was impeccable, and her smile gentle, but she was more wary than usual. The grand ceremony yesterday and the undeniable authority displayed by the Emperor and Empress made her more acutely aware of the weight of Ling Zhan's warning from that day.

Just then, the female steward rushed over and whispered, "Master, Madam Huo and Miss Huo have arrived and are waiting in the private room on the third floor."

Su Wan's heart tightened slightly. Huo Xian?

She had just witnessed the Emperor and Empress's splendor at the ceremony yesterday, and her visit today was certainly not simply for perfumes and cosmetics.

She remained calm and apologized to the Princess Consort before straightening her clothes and gracefully going upstairs.

Inside the elegant room, Huo Xian, dressed in a deep purple satin dress with peony patterns, sat regally in the main seat, exuding an air of composure. Huo Wanjun, on the other hand, wore a delicate primrose-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and sat below her, her eyes revealing a hint of dazed excitement. Her fingers unconsciously twisted her embroidered handkerchief, clearly still reeling from the emperor's imposing figure she had witnessed the previous day.

"Mrs. Huo, Miss Huo, it is an honor to have you here. Please forgive us for not greeting you properly."

Su Wan entered the room and apologized with a smile, displaying impeccable manners.

Huo Xian put down her teacup, a perfectly timed smile on her face: "Master Su, you're too kind. The grand spectacle in the palace yesterday was truly an eye-opener. His Majesty's divine might was awe-inspiring, and Her Majesty the Empress..." She paused, her smile deepening slightly, "...and her demeanor was also unique. When Wan Jun returned, she was full of praise, saying that it was an eye-opening experience for her."

Huo Wanjun blushed when her mother called her name, and echoed in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Yes, yes... Your Majesty and Your Majesty are indeed as bright as the sun and moon in the sky..."

Su Wan smiled and agreed, "It is indeed a magnificent sight that is rarely seen in a century." But in her heart, she was secretly on guard, wondering what Huo Xian was up to.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Huo Xian changed the subject, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the precious perfumes displayed in the room before returning to Su Wan. His tone carried a hint of elder-like "concern": "Speaking of which, it's truly admirable that Head Su, with your character, looks, and talent, has managed to make this Jingchen Pavilion so prosperous. However..."

She drew out her words slightly, her gaze sweeping over Su Wan with a hint of pity: "A woman should eventually find a home. Spending all day in the public eye, worrying and toiling, is not a long-term solution. I wonder if you have already found someone? If you are having difficulties, or if you are looking for a reliable partner, you may tell me. I know quite a few talented young men in the capital."

These words, like fine needles, precisely pierced Su Wan's most hidden pain and anxiety.

As she grew older, although her career was successful, her marriage prospects were delayed due to her unsuitable partners and her early experiences, which remained a source of worry for her. Huo Xian's actions were both a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to win her over, as well as a condescending test and manipulation.

Su Wan's hand clenched slightly in her sleeve, but her smile remained unchanged, even carrying a touch of just the right amount of helplessness and magnanimity: "You've worried about me, Madam. I'm not very fortunate. Right now, I only think about managing the business entrusted to me by His Majesty and Madam and repaying their kindness. I dare not have any extravagant thoughts about my own affairs. Besides, fate is predetermined and cannot be forced."

She skillfully steered the conversation back to loyalty to the Marquis of Anping's household, politely declining Huo Xian's "kind offer."

A knowing glint and barely perceptible contempt flashed in Huo Xian's eyes, but her expression remained one of regret: "Master Su is too modest. With your looks and appearance, in an ordinary family, you would already be a matriarch surrounded by children. His Majesty and Madam Ling are certainly kind, but you should also plan more for yourself." She didn't delve any further and instead chatted about other things, but before taking her leave, she seemed to suddenly remember something, took off a translucent jade bracelet from her wrist, pulled Su Wan's hand, and slipped it onto her wrist without a word.

"Look at me, I forgot what I was saying. It's my first time visiting, so please accept this little trinket, Master Su. If Wanjun has any questions about her hair or makeup in the future, please feel free to bother you. If you have any other difficulties, please feel free to come and talk to me."

The bracelet had excellent clarity and was quite valuable, but at that moment it was radiating a scorching heat.

Alarm bells rang in Su Wan's mind. Huo Xian had first pressured her by mentioning the marriage, then tried to entice her with lavish gifts; his intention to use both soft and hard tactics was extremely clear. She quickly declined, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, Madam! But such a precious gift is absolutely unacceptable! I cannot possibly accept it!"

Huo Xian pressed down on her hand, his strength leaving no room for refusal, his smile deep and meaningful: "Hey, it's just a trinket. Compared to what you and I get along with, what is it? Does Master Su look down on the Huo family? Or do you think I can't be of any help to you?"

Now that things have come to this, if Su Wanruo were to refuse forcefully any further, it would be a direct slap in the face to the Huo family.

She could only force a smile, feeling the bracelet like a shackle on her wrist: "Madam is too kind. In that case, Wan'er will accept your generous gift." But her heart was heavy with unease.

After seeing off the Huo family mother and daughter, Su Wan looked at the emerald green bracelet on her wrist and frowned.

The Huo family's attempts to win her over and coerce her were so blatant, even targeting her most private secrets. She took a deep breath and decided that she had to find a reason to go to the palace as soon as possible to report this matter to Ling Zhan, and she also had to find an opportunity to return the bracelet.

However, before Su Wan could find an opportunity, an even bigger storm suddenly descended.

Several afternoons later, Wei Jin was discussing matters with several important ministers in the Imperial Study when he suddenly saw Xiao Man Niu, his face ashen, stride in without being announced. He was carrying a bowl of untouched rock sugar bird's nest soup, followed by a pale-faced eunuch who was testing for poison.

"His Majesty!"

The little bull's voice, suppressing a raging rage, was like a volcano about to erupt: "This afternoon, when the soup was presented to the Empress, the silver spoon used for testing for poison was inserted into it for a moment, and the spoon turned black!"

The vermilion brush in Wei Jin's hand snapped with a "crack," and the crimson ink, like drops of blood, stained the bright yellow memorial.

He suddenly looked up, a storm raging in his eyes, and the chilling killing intent emanating from him made several high-ranking officials lower their heads in fright: "Where is he?!"

“All those involved have been apprehended! They are being held in the outer room awaiting trial!” Little Bull spoke rapidly, each word as cold as ice. “It’s not an immediately lethal poison, but rather… a cold, yin substance that gradually damages one’s foundation with prolonged use! However, the dosage this time is greater than the lotus seed soup discovered three days ago!”

This is the second time since the coronation ceremony!

Wei Jin's face was ashen. He slammed his palm hard on the imperial desk, making the pen holder and inkstone shake. "Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! Search every corner of the palace and drag that rat out of the gutter!" His low growl was like that of a wounded dragon, filled with icy killing intent and lingering fear. "How dare he reach out to the Empress again and again... I will have him torn to pieces! I will exterminate his entire family!"

The entire imperial city trembled with fear at the emperor's fury.

The Asura Guard was mobilized in full force, creating an atmosphere of fear and unease both inside and outside the palace.

The hall was brightly lit by candlelight, illuminating Wei Jin's cold and angry profile.

As soon as Shen Zhangwu received the order and left, the entire palace was shrouded in a low-pressure atmosphere.

Light footsteps sounded, and Wei Jin looked up sharply. When he saw Ling Zhan returning, the fierceness on his face was instantly replaced by worry and fear. He took a few steps forward and took her hand. Her hand was slightly cool to the touch, with a little dampness from the night dew and a faint, unique scent of grass and trees.

"Zhanzhan, you're back? How dare they..." His voice still carried lingering anger, his gaze urgently sweeping over her face and body.

"It's alright." Ling Zhan said calmly, gently patting the back of his hand. "I just came back from the Ministry of Agriculture."

Wei Jin then noticed a bit of fresh mud still clinging to the hem of her skirt, and subtle traces of plant leaves still visible on her cuffs. Her cool and aloof demeanor carried the vibrant energy of the fields, making her completely out of place in this magnificent yet filthy palace.

His tense nerves relaxed slightly. Yes, she spent most of her time in the fields and workshops of the government office, spending more time with Suihe and Hong'er than in the palace.

"Working so late again? Have you eaten yet?"

His tone softened, filled with familiar concern. He knew her habit; once she immersed herself in the seeds and seedlings, she often forgot the time.

"Um."

Ling Zhan walked to the table and poured herself a glass of warm water. "This is what I had with Suihe and Hong'er in the backyard of the government office. We ate the short-stalk rice they had just tried growing, along with some cabbage and okra freshly picked from the government office's vegetable patch. Suihe cooked it herself." There was a very faint, almost imperceptible satisfaction in her tone, the kind of warmth that only appeared when she talked about her profession and the children.

Wei Jin imagined that scene: a brightly lit backyard of the government office, simple meals, a mother and her two children sitting around the table, discussing which rice ears were fuller and which fertilizer was more effective. That was their world, a world of stability and vitality, completely different from the ornate cage of intrigue and scheming he was currently in.

He felt a pang of sadness, yet also a deeper sense of regret and remorse.

He was the emperor, yet he made it difficult for her to even have a peaceful meal in her palace.

"That's good."

He sighed, tightening his grip on her hand. "Don't worry, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it! I will not let this go unpunished..."

“From now on,” Ling Zhan interrupted him, his voice still calm and composed, yet carrying an undeniable determination, “my meals will no longer need to be prepared separately by the Imperial Kitchen. I will eat with Sui He and the others at the government office.”

Wei Jin was taken aback, then understood, and the thorn in his heart deepened even further.

He understood what she meant. It wasn't just because of the danger they'd faced today, but also because of her consistent style—trusting the food she grew and cooked herself. To her, the delicacies of the palace were far less reassuring and comforting than a bowl of freshly made rice porridge in the backyard of the government office.

He was silent for a moment, then nodded emphatically: "Alright. As you wish. Just... make sure Suihe and Hong'er are careful."

He knew he couldn't stop her, nor could he fully guarantee the absolute safety of the palace. At this moment, he could only helplessly rely on his children to protect their mother.

"Um."

Ling Zhan responded with a sound of agreement, put down his teacup, and turned his gaze to the deep night outside the window. His profile was exceptionally clear and cold in the candlelight. The atmosphere in the hall seemed to ease slightly due to this bland conversation about dinner, but then it fell into another, more complex stagnation.

Wei Jin looked at her calm profile. The tension in his heart caused by the poisoning incident did not ease; instead, it tightened even more because of her overly calm and almost detached handling of the situation. He was about to speak again, suggesting strengthening the guards of the government office or having the Asura Guards provide covert protection, when Ling Zhan suddenly turned around, her clear and sharp gaze looking directly at him without warning.

"There's no need to expend so much effort and make such a big fuss."

Her voice was calm to the point of indifference, as if she were talking about something trivial that had nothing to do with her: "That thing is of no use to me."

Wei Jin was taken aback, then frowned and said anxiously, "It has no effect? ​​That's a vicious, cold poison! Prolonged use will..."

Ling Zhan slowly turned around, his gaze clear and bright, like the moonlight outside the window, falling directly on his face.

He uttered a sentence that was enough to completely freeze Wei Jin's soul.

"Because I never intended to have children."

------